Segmented introducer device for a circular surgical stapler

Abstract

A segmented introducer device is capable of fitting onto the center rods of circular stapling devices having different stapler head diameters. Multiple body segments are provided depending upon the needs for a given surgical stapler, and the body segments are selectively fit together to provide rod through apertures and a rod bore to receive the center rod of the surgical stapler. The introducer preferably includes blades to help spread tissue as the introducer device is advanced to the tissue site on the head of the stapler. A retraction wire is provided at the tip of the introducer device to aid in its retrieval from a tissue site.

1. An introducer device adapted for use with a plurality of surgical staplers, wherein each of the plurality of surgical staplers include a stapler head having an insertion end of circular cross section, a center rod having a tapered head and adapted to be selectively extendable beyond the insertion end of the stapler head and selectively retractable into the stapler head, each stapler head of each of the plurality of surgical staplers having a different diameter, the introducer device comprising:
 (a) a first body segment including:
 an insertion end opposite a base end, 
 a sidewall tapering from said base end to said insertion end to define an insertion tip, 
 a center rod bore extending from an open end thereof at said base end toward said insertion tip and having a head grip portion adapted to selectively engage the tapered head of the center rod of any of the plurality of surgical staplers to secure said first body segment to cover said tapered head of said center rod, and 
 a female connection bore extending from an open end thereof at said base end toward said insertion end; and 
 
 (b) a second body segment including:
 an insertion end opposite a base end, 
 a sidewall tapering from said base end to said insertion end, 
 a through aperture adapted to received the center rod of any of the plurality of surgical staplers, and 
 a male connection member extending from said insertion end to selectively engage said female connection bore of said first body segment, wherein said base end of said first body segment has a base end diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the insertion end of the stapler head of one of the plurality of surgical staplers and said base end of said second body segment has a base end diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the insertion end of the stapler head of another of the plurality of surgical staplers, said base end diameter of said first body segment being smaller than said base end diameter of said second body segment. 
 
 
   
   
     2. The introducer device of  claim 1 , wherein said insertion end of said second body segment has an insertion end diameter that is substantially equal to the base end diameter of said base end of said first body segment. 
   
   
     3. The introducer device of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 (c) a third body segment including:
 an insertion end opposite a base end, 
 a sidewall tapering from said base end to said insertion end, 
 a through aperture adapted to received the center rod of any of the plurality of surgical staplers, and 
 a male connection member extending from said insertion end to selectively engage said female connection bore of said second body segment, wherein said second body segment has a base end diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said insertion end of said third body segment, and said third body segment has a base end diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the stapler head of another of the plurality of surgical staplers, said base end diameter of said second body segment being smaller than said base end diameter of said third body segment. 
 
 
   
   
     4. The introducer device of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 (c) a fourth body segment including:
 an insertion end opposite a base end, 
 a sidewall tapering from said base end to said insertion end, 
 a through aperture adapted to received the center rod of any of the plurality of surgical staplers, and 
 a male connection member extending from said insertion end to selectively engage said female connection bore of said third body segment, wherein said third body segment has a base end diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said insertion end of said fourth body segment, and said fourth body segment has a base end diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the stapler head of another of the plurality of surgical staplers, said base end diameter of said third body segment being smaller than said base end diameter of said fourth body segment. 
 
 
   
   
     5. The introducer device of  claim 1 , further comprising blades extending from said first body segment. 
   
   
     6. The introducer device of  claim 1 , further comprising a retraction wire affixed proximate said insertion end of said first body segment.